A new depot gives a boost to international trade in the North

November 2025 marked an exciting new chapter on Pulkamontie in Rovaniemi. Toward the end of the month, Pohjolan Matka proudly opened its brand-new depot – a modern facility developed in close cooperation with Rakennus Vepeso.
The decision to invest in the new depot was made in early spring 2025, with construction getting underway in May. From the very beginning, the project was driven by a clear vision: to strengthen operations in the North and create a solid foundation for future growth.

But why was a new depot needed in Rovaniemi, and what new opportunities does it bring for Pohjolan Matka and the region as a whole? Below, Pohjolan Matka’s CEO Johanna Lehtonen shares more insights into the background, goals, and impact of this important investment.

From Vision to Reality  

Previously, Pohjolan Matka operated in Rovaniemi from rented premises that were not ideally suited to the needs of a bus company.
“Operating in someone else’s premises always involves the risk of having to leave unexpectedly, and in addition, the facilities were not entirely practical for our operations,” Lehtonen explains.
“On top of this, one of our drivers had mentioned our potential need for a depot to the construction company Vepeso, which ultimately led to a joint construction project on Vepeso’s property. The site now provides operational facilities for both companies, and today the property company also accommodates several other businesses,” she adds. 

Fast and Persuasive Building

The actual construction project progressed quickly and smoothly. “When the first contact was made in January 2025, the plans were already completed by March–April, and groundwork began in May,” Lehtonen explains. “The move itself then took place in stages in November. Some finishing touches were still carried out in January, but the facility is largely complete. Now that the building has been in use for some time, we will certainly notice a few things that could not be fully anticipated during the planning phase, but these can be adjusted later as needed. Overall, the project moved forward very efficiently and stayed well on schedule. The cost estimate did deviate somewhat from the original plan, but we would have gone ahead with the project regardless, even if the final cost had been known already at the decision-making stage.”

Space For Every Need

Both staff and fleet have been carefully considered in the design of the new facilities. Lehtonen explains that the building includes two heated maintenance halls, a wash bay, as well as social and rest facilities within the main building. In addition, the yard features ten bus parking spaces equipped with heating posts, along with a temporary additional rest area for drivers located in a comfortable modular building. “The facilities are well sized for the needs of our Rovaniemi operation, and the movable temporary spaces add valuable flexibility,” Lehtonen says with satisfaction. “Under normal conditions, we operate around seven to eight buses and drivers in Rovaniemi, but during the peak season driven by our growing international customer base, the number increases to around 30 buses and drivers. During these busy periods, we receive additional support from Pohjolan Matka’s other locations.

The New Building Brings Significant Benefits and Improvements 

The Rovaniemi depot has turned out very much in line with what Pohjolan Matka envisioned during the planning phase. Johanna Lehtonen notes that drivers may have wished for different solutions in certain details, but she believes they are ultimately very satisfied.
“The building truly reflects who we are – it feels and looks like us,” Lehtonen says with enthusiasm.
“Having our own depot helps us deliver successful and safe experiences for both domestic and international travelers. We can defrost our buses during the winter, wash them using environmentally friendly products, and provide our drivers with a calm and comfortable environment for their mandatory rest periods. We believe that Rovaniemi and tourism in Lapland will bring us increased business in both charter services and group travel. This gives us a strong foundation to continue building even more robust growth in the northern region.”